Wall hangings (3)

Philippe de la Salle, 1774

MEDIUMSilk on satin
DIMENSIONS.35: H. 127 x W. 80 1/2 inches (322.6 x 204.5 cm); .36 and .37 each: H. 126 x W. 83 inches (320 x 210.8 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONEuropean Sculpture and Decorative Arts
CULTUREFrench
CREDIT LINEGift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1958

Step into the opulence of 18th-century French aristocracy with these grand silk wall hangings by Philippe de la Salle, a master of luxurious textile design. Their immense size and intricate floral patterns were designed to transform any room into a dazzling display of wealth and taste.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

These three magnificent wall hangings, created by Philippe de la Salle in 1774, showcase the pinnacle of 18th-century French textile artistry. De la Salle, a renowned designer and manufacturer, was celebrated for his luxurious silk fabrics, often incorporating complex weaving techniques. This particular set, made of silk on satin, exemplifies his mastery in creating grand decorative pieces for aristocratic interiors. The sheer scale of these hangings (each over 126 inches tall) indicates they were likely intended for a prominent room in a chateau or palace, designed to impress with their rich textures and intricate patterns. His work frequently featured elaborate floral motifs, often rendered with a painterly quality, which would have shimmered in the candlelight, transforming the room into a vibrant, opulent space. Given his birth year of 1723, de la Salle would have been in his early fifties when he created these, a period of mature skill and established reputation.

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What to Notice

1

The shimmering quality of the silk on satin.

2

The intricate, detailed floral patterns.

3

The grand scale of each individual hanging.

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Audio Deep Dive

Step into the opulence of 18th-century French aristocracy with these grand silk wall hangings by Philippe de la Salle, a master of luxurious textile design. Th…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
Philippe de la Salle 1723–1804 · France

Philippe de la Salle was a master of 18th-century Lyon silk weaving, known for luxurious textiles like his 'Branche de Corail'.

Read Philippe's full story in Art Whisper
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